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Davidia involucrata (Handkerchief tree)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
15m
Max height
Max height
12m
Max spread
Max spread
10-20 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Davidia involucrata
Other names
Handkerchief tree, Dove tree, Ghost tree, Pocket handkerchief tree
Genus
Davidia Davidia
Species
D. involucrata - D. involucrata are mid-sized deciduous trees with red-stemmed, green leaves and striking white bracts surrounding their dark green flowers in late spring. The bark is grey and smooth and the tree bears small smooth brown-green fruits in autumn.
Davidia involucrata is: Deciduous
Tree shape
Broadly conical
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
Flower
Dark-green, White in Spring
Foliage
Green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest-free.
Diseases
Generally disease-free
General care
Propagation methods
Hardwood cuttings, Seed
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Where to grow
Davidia involucrata (Handkerchief tree) will reach a height of 15m and a spread of 12m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, Low Maintenance, Specimen tree
Cultivation
Grow in rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Provide shelter from cold winds and late frosts.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Davidia involucrata
Other names
Handkerchief tree, Dove tree, Ghost tree, Pocket handkerchief tree
Genus
Davidia Davidia
Species
D. involucrata - D. involucrata are mid-sized deciduous trees with red-stemmed, green leaves and striking white bracts surrounding their dark green flowers in late spring. The bark is grey and smooth and the tree bears small smooth brown-green fruits in autumn.
Foliage
Deciduous
Tree shape
Broadly conical
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
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Colour
Flower
Dark-green, White in Spring
Foliage
Green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest-free.
Diseases
Generally disease-free
General care
Propagation methods
Hardwood cuttings, Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Davidia involucrata (Handkerchief tree) will reach a height of 15m and a spread of 12m after 10-20 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, Low Maintenance, Specimen tree
Cultivation
Grow in rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Provide shelter from cold winds and late frosts.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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DISCUSS THIS PLANT
My Davidia was planted last spring as a 15 foot tree. This year a few of the branches are bare and I have had no flowers or bracts. The leaves are light green with red shading. Is it still settleing in or is it not well.
Davidia involucrata (hankerchief tree)
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